"Oh, dear! It won't be any Christmas without her," cried the little girl ruefully.
"Oh, she'll be home in the morning, likely."
"Hanny, it is after eleven, and you must go to bed," said Margaret.
"I'd just like to stay up all night, once. And can't I hang up my stocking?"
"I'll see to that. Come, dear. And boys, go to bed."
CHAPTER XIX
WHEN CHRISTMAS BELLS WERE RINGING
The boys tried to be merry with a big M to it, on Christmas morning. But something was lacking. The stockings hung in a row, and there were piles of gifts below them. Books and books and books! They were all too old for playthings now. Hanny had two white aprons ruffled all round, and a pretty pair of winter boots. They were beginning to make them higher in the ankle and more dainty, and stitching them in colors. These were done with two rows of white. She had a set of the Lucy books that all little girls were delighted with. Oh, I do wonder what they would have said to Miss Alcott and Susan Coolidge and Pansy! But they were very happy in what they had. Jim was delighted with two new volumes of Cooper. Ben had a splendid pair of high boots, and three new shirts Margaret and the little girl had made for him.
But, oh, dear! what was it all without mother! They missed her bright, cheery voice, her smile and her ample person that had a warm buoyant atmosphere. They would have been glad to hear her scold a little about the litter of gifts around, and their lagging so when breakfast was ready.